Over the last several months we've had to say “goodbye" friends that perished with cancer. This hideous disease that ravages the body rendering the formerly healthy and vibrant individuals unrecognizable. In the flesh, due to the devastation of this condition they truly become shadows of their former selves… but their spirit remains unchanged. Their spirit filled with an abundance of vitality contradicts their outward appearance.

Plus, there have been others who've lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s, the mind ravaging disease. Their minds robbed due to the insidious machinations of this disease. The victims leaving their families helpless as they watch loved ones spiral downward into a pit of “fog and vapid emptiness.” With fleeting moments of clarity…yet their spirit remains untouched, and unscathed by this disease.

Nothing could change the “spirit” housed within “flesh” bodies, because it’s always thriving. It’s the essence of our Lord…the Holy Spirit which resides in us forever. That’s what has allowed me to feel comfort, knowing loved ones, and friends are merely changing outwardly as they struggle with their illness. The fact that their spiritual selves remained the same removed an enormous burden from my heart. And nothing could change that beautiful fact. “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39

When we are called home and our bodies take its last breath…instantly the silver cord is broken and immediately we are with the Father. The flesh body that housed our spirit is no longer needed. We come forth in spiritual beauty our permanent bodies. Free of our fleshy bodies, free from pain, anguish, fear, hurt…and it is replaced with a beautiful strong healthy spiritual countenance.

We can suddenly RUN through the meadows that we barely walked through at the end. We become whole and are slated to live in peace for eternity. For those of us that believe and accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, that's a promise.

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord”. 2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV

Our comforter is within, and He is there for every nuance of our lives. He is our protector, our wisdom, our teacher, our discerning power, and His presence assures us that we are never alone. He made a promise that He would NEVER leave us. That He would be with us always until the end of time.(Matthew 28:20) Isn't that refreshingly comforting?

So, if any of you have lost a loved one recently, or are comforting someone who has. It is always an enormous degree of satisfaction and solace to realize, at this very moment that person is “whole and thriving” with our Father. Their bodies transformed into pure perfection. Their minds intact. Completely filled with a newfound understanding in their new realm. Each one looking beautiful, young and reunited with their loved ones. And, most especially with their Creator.

As we go forward in our lives, embrace the magnificence of the Holy Spirit within. The Comforter that our Almighty God sent through His Son…our Savior. And, thank God for His enduring mercy and formidable splendor of Glory and His love.

But, most especially for the opportunity to thrive after we depart from these “flesh bodies” that our spirit is housed in. How wonderful, how glorious is our Father who provides and preordains our footsteps our entire life? And how marvelous and comforting to know that within these bodies are our spirits which will live forever with God.

So, when a loved one is called home…rejoice at their independence of being set free as they emerge from the cocoon of their flesh body. And, smile knowing you will see them again and celebrate together in the presence of the Lord.

“And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22:5 KJV

C D Swanson is a published Author and Freelance writer. In addition to her Christian website she contributes to various magazines worldwide. www.cdswanson.com